Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a significant step towards combatting plastic pollution by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to reduce plastic waste leakage into Indonesian waters.
The MoU was signed by officials from the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Emirati Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on April 23, 2024.
Playing a pivotal role in this collaboration, Nani Hendiarti, the deputy for environmental and forestry management at the Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Ministry, underscored its significance. She emphasized that the MoU represents the joint commitment of Indonesia and the UAE to environmental management and the urgent issue of plastic pollution, a global concern that particularly affects oceans.
With its extensive coastline and numerous islands, Indonesia recognizes the urgency of tackling plastic pollution as a transnational challenge. Since 2018, Indonesia has been actively implementing national actions on marine waste, resulting in a 42 percent reduction in plastic waste leakage. The nation aims to reduce waste by 70 percent through improvements in infrastructure and technology utilization and promoting behavioral changes in society.
Underlining the transformative impact of the UAE’s support, Hendiarti emphasized the significance of the MoU in advancing eco-centric initiatives in Indonesia. The signing of the MoU, which took place during the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) Global Conference, reaffirms Indonesia’s commitment to working with the international community to create a future free from plastic waste for future generations.
Furthermore, Indonesia has extended an invitation to the UAE government to participate in the 10th World Water Forum, scheduled from May 18–25, 2024, in Bali province. This forum provides an opportunity for global stakeholders to discuss water-related issues, including the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
In addition to the MoU, both governments are preparing for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Center (MBZ-Joko Widodo IMRC) on May 19, 2024. This collaborative initiative underscores Indonesia and the UAE’s commitment to addressing climate change and preserving coastal ecosystems.
The signing of the MoU and the upcoming initiatives reflect a concerted effort by Indonesia and the UAE to mitigate the adverse effects of plastic pollution and promote sustainable environmental practices on a global scale.
